Control Console
User Manual
Version 3.0.1
Copyright © 2011. Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
All Rights reserved.
Product information and specifications subject to change.
Part Number:
7219M1210-3.0.1
Released: 2011-10
Rev A
ETC intends this document, whether printed or electronic, to be provided in its entirety.
ETC permits the reproduction of materials in this manual only for non-commercial purposes. All other rights are
reserved by ETC.
®
ETC
, Emphasis®, Expression®, Insight™, Imagine™, Focus™, Express™, Unison®, Obsession® II, SmartPack®,
SmartFade™, ETCNet2™, EDMX™, Source Four
®
, Revolution®, Sensor®, and WYSILink™ are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Microsoft
®
and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries.
All other trademarks, both marked and not marked, are the property of their respective owners.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Using this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Menu Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Text Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Help from ETC Technical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Power-up and Shutdown Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Unpack & Connect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Power-up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Shutdown Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Save & Load to Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Save Show to Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Quick Save Show to Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Load show from Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Load Patch from Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Load User Personalities from Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Load Personalities from Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Format SD Memory Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Control Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Frontpanel Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
General Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Faders & Bump Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Master & Black Out Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Independents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Crossfader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Sequence & Stack Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Record & Edit Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
The Select Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
LCD & Wheel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Philosophy of the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
HTP and LTP control rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Different Ways to Use SmartFade ML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Data Structure & Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
DMX Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
DMX Out Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Clear/Set Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Clear Intensity Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Set Intensity Patch 1:1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
i
Clear Device Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Patch Dimmers (INT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Patch by Dimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Patch by Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Patch Independents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Set up Independents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Patch Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Device Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Patch Multiple Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Device Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
View/Modify Device Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Device Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Console Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Erase Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Default Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Crossfade Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Memory Rubberband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
DMX Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
MIDI Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Software Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
LED Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Save LED Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Load LED Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Chapter 3
MIDI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
MIDI Show Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Synchronising Two SmartFades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Basic MIDI Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
MIDI Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Sending MIDI Controllers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Custom Moving Light Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Custom Moving Light Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Open the Personality Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Edit a Personality Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Special - Color Mix CMY, RGB & RAGB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Edit a Personality Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Example (Blind) - Pan/Tilt 16 Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Special - Fade With Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Special - Invert Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Intensity Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Live or Next Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Adjust Channel Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Set Channel Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Select Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Device Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
ii SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Device Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Device Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
General Device Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Shape effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Offset Relations In Shape and Color Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Color Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Linear Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Record a Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Record a Snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Copy a Snapshot to a Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Clear all Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Record a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Record the Stack from Bumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Record a Stack State or “Cue”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Chapter 4
Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Edit Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Edit a Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Delete a Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Delete Multiple Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Copy a Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Default Device Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Memory FCB Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Edit Sequences & Stack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Edit the Content of a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Delete a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Insert a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Insert a PointQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Change the Content of a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Copy a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Delete a Sequence or the Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Run Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Sequence & Stack Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Edit Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Edit Shape Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Edit Linear Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Edit Color Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Chapter 5
Edit Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
General Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Master & Black Out function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
iii
Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Bump Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Select Fader Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Memory Fader Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Memory Bump Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Clear Output from Memory Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Examples of Using Memory Faders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Select Fader Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Sequence Bump Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Rate & BPM for Sequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Stack & Crossfader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
General Crossfader Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Stack functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Change Times For The Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Rate for the Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Single Scene Crossfading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Appendix A
Software Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Update the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
iv SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the SmartFade ML lighting control console. The
SmartFade ML console offers a great feature range including hands-on manual control,
memory driven operation, and an impressive array of features for systems work.
SmartFade ML is perfect for any venue, usable for small touring shows, auditorium
productions, or as a stage manager’s remote console.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
• Help from ETC Technical Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• Power-up and Shutdown Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Save & Load to Memory Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Introduction 1
Using this Manual
BLACK
OUT
This manual will hopefully get you up and running in no time. These are the manual
conventions.
Instructions
Instructions are shown in a table with columns for Action, Console and Feedback.
Action Console Feedback
Activate Blackout mode Button lights up. No output except from the
* There may be a comment like this with an asterisk.
Menu Directions
Many functions require menu navigation. For brevity’s sake, menu navigation is conveyed
in the following method:
Menu>Settings>Language>[English]
Each “>” indicates passage to a new menu sublevel, usually by pressing the MENU button.
Items [within brackets] are changed with the wheels or the SEL or MORE buttons.
Displays are shown like this
Independents.*
Text Conventions
• Buttons in tables are shown as images. Buttons in text are indicated with bold capital
letters followed by the word button. Like STACK button.
• References to other parts of the manual are indicated in italics. When viewing this
manual electronically, click on the reference to jump to that section of the manual.
Note:
CAUTION:
Notes are helpful hints and information that is supplemental to the main text.
A Caution statement indicates situations where there may be undefined or
unwanted consequences of an action, possible data loss or equipment problems.
Please E-mail comments about this manual to: TechComm@etcconnect.com
2 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Help from ETC Technical Services
If you are having difficulties, your most convenient resources are the references given in
this user manual. To search more widely, try the ETC Web site at www.etcconnect.com
You can ask other users for advice on the ETC forums at www.etcconnect.com/community.
If none of these resources is sufficient, contact ETC Technical Services directly at one of
the offices identified below. Emergency service is available from all ETC offices outside of
normal business hours.
When calling for help, please have the following information handy:
• Console model and serial number (located on back panel)
• Dimmer manufacturer and installation type
• Other components in your system (Unison
®
, other consoles, etc.)
.
Americas
Electronic Theatre Controls Inc.
Technical Services Department
3031 Pleasant View Road
Middleton, WI 53562
800-775-4382 (USA, toll-free)
+1-608 831-4116
service@etcconnect.com
Asia
ETC Asia, Ltd.
Technical Services Department
Room 1801, 18/F, Tower 1
Phase 1, Enterprise Square
9 Sheung Yuet Road
Kowloon Bay, Kowloon,
Hong Kong
+852 2799 1220
service@etcasia.com
United Kingdom
Electronic Theatre Controls Ltd.
Technical Services Department
26-28 Victoria Industrial Estate
Victoria Road,
London W3 6UU England
+44 (0)20 8896 1000
service@etceurope.com
Germany
Electronic Theatre Controls GmbH
Technical Services Department
Ohmstrasse 3
83607 Holzkirchen, Germany
+49 (80 24) 47 00-0
techserv-hoki@etcconnect.com
Introduction 3
Power-up and Shutdown Procedures
<
Unpack & Connect
You can get SmartFade ML up and running in no time.
• Unpack
• Connect power
• Connect DMX to dimmers, moving lights, scrollers and LEDs
• Power up
Power-up Procedure
SmartFade ML uses the power button for power-up and power-down. It is also used to
access the operating mode selection menu.
Action Console Feedback
Press and release The LCD shows the current software version.
* During the startup process, LEDs will fade to full brightness regardless of user settings.
Shutdown Procedure
Action Console Feedback
1. Press and release The LCD shows a message asking that you
2a. Confirm Console is shut down.
2b. Cancel Shutdown is cancelled and operation
When you use the shutdown procedure, the SmartFade ML console will complete any
pending operations and save any system data as required to ensure error-free startup at
the next session. Disconnecting power from the console while it is shut down produces no
ill effects.
The button LEDs will light up in the following
order: GREEN, RED, rest. After this all LEDs
light to the levels appropriate to the selected
mode of operation. *
confirm the shutdown command.
resumed.
4 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Operating Modes
Hold the power button during start-up to enter the Operating Modes menu. This allows you
to select different operating modes.
Action Console Feedback
1. Press and hold
(console must be off)
2. Select mode Wheel (3) >Full control
3. Activate mode The console will enter the selected mode.
The LCD shows the Operating Modes menu.
All functions available
>Control & Playback
No recording or patch functions.
>Playback only
All intensity and device direct control functions are disabled as well as record and
patch.
The console will continue to power up in this
mode until the mode is changed.
Introduction 5
Save & Load to Memory Card
SmartFade ML uses either a standard SD Memory card or SDHC Memory card as the
primary external storage device. Before you can use a new SD card make sure it is
formatted correctly (FAT16). See “Format SD Memory Card” on page 9.
Note:
CAUTION:
When using SDHC Memory cards for show file storage, please use the following
guidelines for best performance:
• Keep your show file names to 8 characters or less. This will ensure the entire name
can be viewed in the SmartFade LCD display when loading and saving shows.
• Keep fewer than 100 show files in the root directory of your SDHC Memory card.
Other file types or archived show files should be kept in folders on the card. This will
speed performance of reading the file directory and will help to minimize excessive
scrolling of the file menu.
Only standard SD Memory cards or connection to a PC via USB may be used for
updating the software on a SmartFade console. Software update is not possible
using an SDHC Memory card.
The file format is ASCII Text Representation for Lighting Console Data. This format is
compatible with all systems that follow this standard. Although there may be discrepancies
between systems, usually the main play data is compatible. See www.usitt.org.
Save Show to Card
This is done from the Save/Load Show menu
Menu>Save/Load Show>[Save as]
Shows may be given a two digit number with the wheel.
Show files saved in the ETC application SmartSoft can be given any valid DOS-style name
and the suffix ".asc"
File naming rules
• A file or directory name can be no more than eight characters long.
• No spaces can be included in the file name, the extension or the directory name.
• Certain characters (? * , ; = + # >| [ ] / \) are illegal and cannot be used.
Quick Save Show to Card
This is done from the Save/Load Show menu
Menu>Save/Load Show>[Quick save]
6 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
If a file name has been used, it will save to this name, otherwise it will jump to the Save as
menu.
Load show from Card
This is done from the Save/Load Show menu
Menu>Save/Load Show>[Load show]
Select the show with the wheel. The default show offered for loading will be the last show,
or the lowest numbered recording on the card.
Introduction 7
Load Patch from Card
This is done from the Save/Load Show menu.
Menu>Save/Load Show>[Save as]
Select the show with the wheel. Confirm loading by pressing ENTER.
The default show offered for loading a patch from will be the lowest numbered recording on
the card. The reason for this is that you may want to save a dummy show with just a patch
as show 01.
Load User Personalities from Card
This is done from the Save/Load Show menu.
Menu>Save/Load Show>[Load user Pers.]
Select the show with the wheel. Confirm loading by pressing ENTER.
The default show offered for loading a user personality from will be the lowest numbered
recording on the card. The reason for this is that you may want to save a dummy show.
Load Personalities from Card
The console has a personality library with 500 of the most common fixtures. In addition to
this there are 100 personality slots that you can fill by loading personalities from the
updated personality library at etcconnect.com. Personalities are loaded from the SD card.
The file should be called PERSLIB.BIN. A personality loaded in this way will stay in memory
until you make a deep clear or the battery runs out.
This is done from the Patch menu.
Menu>Patch>Patch Devices>[Load Personalities]
Select the slot with wheel 2. Confirm slot by pressing ENTER.
Select manufacturer with wheel 1 (or 2). Select personality with wheel 3. Confirm
personality by pressing ENTER.
8 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Format SD Memory Card
SD and SDHC Memory cards are usually pre-formatted. You may need to reformat your
card(s) so that they will function with the console. SmartFade supports the following formats
on SD and SDHC cards:
• SD Memory cards : FAT16 only
• SDHC Memory cards : FAT16 or FAT32 only
Formatting has to be done in a PC. You will need an SD card reading device connected to
your PC.
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
Step 1: Insert the SD card into its reading device. Make sure the device is connected to
Step 2: The SD card will appear as a new drive. You should be able to find it as an icon
Formatting your SD Card will erase any information stored on the card. Be sure to
remove any important files from the card before formatting.
Only standard SD Memory cards or connection to a PC via USB may be used for
updating the software on a SmartFade console. Software update is not possible
using an SDHC Memory card.
your Windows PC.
with some drive letter A-Z under My Computer.
Introduction 9
Step 3: Right-click on the SD card icon and select Format. This will open the formatting
window.
Step 4: In the File System field, select FAT. This will establish the card’s file system as
FAT16.
Step 5: Click Start and then complete the formatting process.
10 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Chapter 1
General Information
This chapter gives you the general information you need to get started.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Control Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
• Frontpanel Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• Philosophy of the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
• Data Structure & Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
1 General Information 9
Control Capacity
SmartFade is a simple to use but very powerful lighting console for 48 intensity channels and
24 moving light devices, specifically designed to be usable right out of the box.
Intensity channels
There are 48 intensity channels. Each intensity channel can control one or more dimmers.
They are divided into two groups of 24 (to simplify numbering on the faders).
Fader mode INT A = A1-A24
Fader mode INT B = B1-B24
It is possible to control dimmers with DMX addresses 1-48 right out of the box because the
default patch for the intensity channels is 1-to-1. Intensities can be controlled live, and then
stored into memories, sequences or the Stack steps. All intensities interact on a Highest
Takes Precedence basis (HTP). HTP and LTP control rules, page 15
Moving Lights & Devices
Up to 24 moving lights & devices such as scrollers and LED fixtures can be controlled. Each
Device has a dedicated button in the Selects section. Devices need to be patched before
they can be used. See “Patch Devices” on page 23.
The intensity channels for the devices are automatically mapped to, and can be controlled
from the faders just like the 48 intensity channels for dimmers.
Fader mode DEVICE INT = D1-D24
Moving lights, scrollers and LEDs can be controlled live, and then stored into groups,
palettes, memories and sequence or the Stack steps. There is an effect generator for
movements (Shapes), color mixing (Color) and patterns (Linear).
Independents
There are two Independent buttons that can control any number of outputs each, for
specials like houselights, smoke machine or followspot. See “Patch Independents” on
page 22.
DMX Outputs
There are 2 DMX outputs allowing control of up to 1024 DMX outputs.
MIDI
There is a recommended subset of the standard MIDI Show Control (MSC) which is one of
the most common ways to use MIDI to synchronise show equipment. Master Memory
faders can be controlled with MIDI controllers, and Program Change commands can be
used for some different functions.
Memory Card
Shows can be saved to a standard SD Memory card. See “Save & Load to Memory Card”
on page 6.
10 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Frontpanel Functionality
Device Selects 1-24
These buttons are used to select Devices, palettes, groups and
effects. The buttons under are used to select different modes.
LCD Menus
The two displays with wheels and buttons are
used for menus and device parameters.
Faders and Bump buttons
The 24 faders can be used to control intensities, parameters and memories or sequences. Select mode with the
Faders buttons above them.
Crossfader
The crossfader controls the Stack of 199
steps. It can be used for fading into manually
preset looks as well.
CLEAR
UNDO
This is an overview of the functionality of the frontpanel of your SmartFade ML.
General Buttons
All buttons have LED’s. Some are multi-color. They light up when active, and blink when
they can be selected for the current function.
Power button
The power button is used to power up and shut down the system.See “Power-up and
Shutdown Procedures” on page 4.
Clear button
The CLEAR button is used to clear intensities and set memory faders to zero (press 2-4
times). Nothing is deleted, it only sets levels to zero. See “Clear” on page 82.
It can also be held with other buttons for some special functions, this is described in this
manual where it so applies.
Undo
The UNDO button is used to reverse some specific situations. This applies only to the last
performed command, and there is only one level of undo.
1 General Information 11
Faders & Bump Buttons
INTAINTBDEVICE
INT
PARAM1PARAM
2
MEMS
1
24
INT
ONLY
SOLO
GO
MODE
BLACK
OUT
IND1IND
2
There are 24 faders. They can be set to control intensities, parameters or memories and
sequences. These modes are set with the FADERS buttons.
Each fader has a Bump button below it. This button will light up when there is content, and
it will mimic the output of the content by varying its intensity. The button color will vary
depending on the type of content.
...
Fader Playback Modes
Faders with memories will control intensities and device parameters progressively when
moved. They can be set to control memory intensities only by activating the INT ONLY
button.
Bump Playback Modes
There are two Bump modes when a Bump button is pressed, Pile-on and Solo. Both use
the level of the BUMPS fader. The SOLO button toggles between these modes. See “Bump
Master” on page 82.
Bump buttons with memories can be set to activate device parameters without bumping
intensities by activating the GO MODE button. See “Memory Bump Modes” on page 83.
Note:
For intensity faders to control light output live, three things are required:
- The Master Fader is over zero, and normally set to full (the topmost position).
- The BLACKOUT button is off (not lit)
- The NEXT button is off (not lit).
Master & Black Out Function
The Master fader proportionally limits all intensity outputs. The Blackout button instantly
sends all intensities generated by the console to zero (except those from active
Independents, see below). See “Master & Black Out function” on page 82.
Independents
The two Independent buttons are separate control channels (IND 1, IND 2) that can control
any patched outputs in a toggle or bump mode. The Independents are not affected by the
Solo, Master or Blackout functions. See “Set up Independents” on page 22.
12 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Crossfader
NEXT
STACK
RECORD
SEQ
MOVE
DARK
TIME
RATE
RECORD
ALL
RECORD
SEL
COPY
DELETE
EDIT
SNAP
SHOT
1234567891011121314151617181920212223
24
HOME
FOCUS
COLOR
BEAM
ALIGN
RECORD
PAL/GRP
HIGH
LIGHT
GROUP
DEVICE
SELECT
CLEAR
SEL
SELECT
ACTIVE
EFFECT
EDIT
EFFECT
FAN
The Crossfader consists of a Live and Next fader, plus the Crossfade transport buttons. It
can be used for fading between the 199 steps of the programmable Stack, or for singlescene fading into intensities that are set blind in NEXT mode. Stack & Crossfader, page 87
The following buttons are used together with the crossfader
Sequence & Stack Functions
These buttons are used to program and edit Sequences in the Mems faders, and the Stack
of the Crossfader. See “Sequences” on page 58. See “Stack” on page 60.
Record & Edit Functions
The row of buttons over the legend RECORD offer recording and editing functions
described in the Program and Edit chapters of this manual.See “Program” on page 39.
See “Edit” on page 65.
The Select Section
This section of 24 buttons is used to select devices, groups, palettes and effects. It uses
the buttons in the Attributes, Selection and Modify sections to do this. See “Devices” on
page 42.
Attributes functions
These buttons are used to select modes for the 24 select buttons above them, and for
masking and programming. See “Device Parameters” on page 45.
.....
Selection functions
These buttons are used to select and work with Devices in the 24 select buttons above
them. See “Devices” on page 42.
Modify functions
These buttons are used to select and work with Effects in the 24 select buttons above them.
See “Effects” on page 51.
1 General Information 13
LCD & Wheel Functions
<
<<
SEL
MORE
SMART
SOFT
1
24
The LCD menus provide quick access to functions. Parameters in the LCDs, page 45
Right LCD - Main menu
The right LCD, with one wheel, is the main menu for entering and exiting functions.
Action Console Feedback
Activate menus
Scroll through choices Wheel (3) Choices are shown over the wheel. Use the
Menu button again to move to subsequent
levels, and to accept setting changes.
Previous choice Return to previous menu level.
Exit Cancels out of the menus.
Left LCD - Sub menus
The left LCD provides control of functions in sub menus. Use the wheels to set values and
the SEL and MORE buttons to toggle choices.
LCD - Preview mode
In preview mode it’s possible to see programmed intensities for MEMS faders 1-24
Action Console Feedback
Activate preview mode Bumps 1-24 start blinking. Press again to
deactivate preview mode.
Select fader ... The selected Bump stops blinking. The LCD’s
will show intensities for the currently selected
fader mode A/B/D. “IFCB” indicates the type
of data recorded in the current memory.
14 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Philosophy of the Console
SmartFade ML is simple to use, and still offers advanced functionality for a rig of
conventional lights, moving lights, scrollers and LEDs. There is a direct button for every
intensity and device parameter. These functions are accessed from the fader modes.
The back-lit buttons make it possible to run SmartFade ML without an additional screen.
They offer information about content, fader mode, intensities and color. For those who
would like the benefits of an external screen, though, the SmartFade ML console may be
connected via USB to a PC or Macintosh computer running the free SmartSoft software
application. Download SmartSoft from the ETC Web site at www.etcconnect.com
The LCDs and the three wheels provide a powerful menu-driven editing functionality, and
direct control of device parameters.
HTP and LTP control rules
Intensities
Dimmer channels and Device intensity channels operate using Highest Takes Precedence
(HTP). This means that if an intensity is output from more than one fader, the highest level
will be the resulting output.
Intensity channels can be set to a level using the faders in INT A, INT B and DEVICE INT
mode. These channel faders operate in the Live fader of the Crossfader. They can be used
to take a level originating from the Crossfader either up or down. Set levels will fade out
when the Crossfader is operated.
.
Device Parameters
All device parameters operate exclusively live, using Latest Takes Precedence (LTP). This
means that they are always “stolen” by the last action.
When you control devices using the PARAM faders, you may see those parameters "jump"
to a level and then "catch up" to the fader's position. This is because a fader is always at
some level between 0% and Full. Because the first move of the fader is considered the last
action for that parameter, you will see these jumps when the fader does not match the
starting level for the parameter. To avoid this jump, use the encoders to control your
devices. Encoders only indicate a direction of change, not a fixed percentage level, so you
will not see the jump since there is nothing to catch up to.
A memory containing device parameters can be set to have the device parameters follow
the fader progressively, or not.
Different Ways to Use SmartFade ML
These are some different approaches to using SmartFade ML.
Manual control
Levels and device parameters are set directly using faders and encoders.
Single Scene crossfading
Set up intensities blind, and then crossfade into them Live. See “Single Scene Crossfading”
on page 89.
Programming for improvised playback
Prepare groups, palettes, effects and store into memories and sequences.
Programming a Cue Stack or List for playback
Record a Stack with up to 199 steps and fade times for playback in the crossfaders.
1 General Information 15
Data Structure & Timing
The data structure is very simple. The faders offer direct control of intensities and
parameters. These levels can be stored in different ways.
Groups
Device selections can be stored in 24 groups for fast recall.
Palettes
Device parameters can be stored in three types of palettes for fast recall and to be
programmed as referenced sources in memories and sequences. The palette types are
FOCUS, COLOR and BEAM. There are 24 of each type. The concept of creating palettes
for positions, colors and beam settings, and referencing them into memories instead of
storing the actual parameters is to save time. Its very fast to select four devices and say “go
to centre stage (Focus Palette 2) in red (Color Palette 1). If anything changes in your show
you will save time again, by editing the palettes instead of editing all memories and steps
that they are stored in. If they are changed they will update themselves where they have
been used throughout a show, for example when the focus palette for a piece of scenery is
moved, or when a certain red color palette has been changed into a deeper red. There is a
Palette default time.
Effects
Effects are a very fast way to create interesting patterns and movements with devices.
There are 11 Shape effects for pan/tilt movements in devices, 11 Linear effects for
intensities or any single device parameter and 11 Color effects for color mixing devices. The
effects are referenced as sources just like palettes. Offset is stored in the memory, but not
Depth and Speed. Those are stored in the effect.
Memories
Memories are created to store intensities, device parameters and references to palettes
and effects to a fader. These memories can be played back from the faders, and they can
be stored as steps in sequences or the Stack. There are 24 fader memories in 12 fader
pages = 288 Memories in total. Each memory can have an FCB time to control the transition
of device parameters.
Snapshots
The complete output, including intensities and parameters, can be instantly stored with a
Snapshot function. Up to 10 such Snapshots can be buffered. They can be stored as
memories at a later point.
Sequences
The fastest way to create a loop of memories is to record a sequence. A sequence is a list
of 24 steps that can be played back manually, looped or as a OneShot from the faders.
Each step can be a single intensity channel or a memory. Each step can have an Up, Down
and Wait time. There are general timing override functions like Rate, Fade and BPM as
well.
Stack
The Stack is theatre style list of 199 steps that can be played back manually or as a
OneShot from the Crossfader. It is intended as a main cue list for a show. Each step can
be a single intensity channel, a memory or a unique Stack memory state called a cue. Each
step can have an Up, Down and Wait time. There are general timing override functions like
Rate and Fade override as well.
16 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Chapter 2
Setup
The default setup of SmartFade ML allows you to run 48 dimmer channels straight out of
the box. Moving lights, scrollers and LEDs always have to be patched, since they require a
specific personality corresponding to each type. There are other user Settings for displays
and language. These are described in this chapter.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• DMX Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
• Clear/Set Patch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
• Patch Dimmers (INT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
• Patch Independents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
• Patch Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
• Console Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
• MIDI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
• Custom Moving Light Personalities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
2 Setup 17
DMX Output
DMX (Digital MultipleX) is a worldwide standard (or protocol) that your SmartFade ML uses
to communicate with lighting equipment. It is a digital protocol that basically defines a state
of “on”, “off” or a percentage of “on”. DMX can be used to control dimmers, moving lights,
fog machines, LEDs, scrollers, media servers or any number of other DMX devices.
DMX is restricted to a total of 512 (output) channels available in one DMX line (referred to
as a universe). Your SmartFade ML has two such universes, allowing control of up to 1024
outputs (2x512).
The DMX outputs are patched to console channels for intensities or devices in SmartFade
ML. There are 48 intensity channels, 24 device channels and 2 independent channels. The
D1-24 channels can be patched directly to dimmers in the patch by channel/dimmer menus
as well. Each console channel can be patched to multiple outputs. The default is set 1:1.
INT A1-A24, , INT B1-B24, DEVICE INT D1-D24, IND 1, IND 2
A moving light device can have up to 48 different parameters, each parameter requiring one
of the 1024 outputs. This depends on the type of moving light, and is automatically set by
patching the appropriate personality.
DMX Out Speed
In rare cases some DMX devices may have trouble reading DMX at the full standard speed
supplied by SmartFade ML. This is often seen as flicker in your lighting devices. You can
slow down the DMX out speed to try to alleviate such communications errors with other
manufacturer’s equipment. The default is set to “Max”.
Menu>Setup>DMX Out>[Max]..[Slow]..[Medium]..[Fast]
18 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Clear/Set Patch
Clear Intensity Patch
The intensity patch for INT A and INT B is cleared from the Patch Menu.
Menu>Patch>Patch Set/Clear>[Clear INT Patch]
Press OK to confirm.
Set Intensity Patch 1:1
The intensity patch for INT A and INT B is set 1:1 from the Patch Menu.
Menu>Patch>Patch Set/Clear>[Set INT Patch 1:1?]
Press OK to confirm.
Note:
The Device Intensity channels can be used to patch 24 more conventional lights if no
Devices are being used. See “Patch by Channel” on page 21.
Clear Device Patch
Devices can be unpatched “all” or one by one in the Patch Menu.
Menu>Patch>Patch Set/Clear>[Clear Device]
Select All or 1-24 with wheel, and press OK to confirm.
2 Setup 19
Patch Dimmers (INT)
MORE
SEL
There are 48 intensity channels that can be patched to two DMX universes (1024 outputs).
They are divided into two groups of 24 - fader mode INT A and INT B.
The Default Patch
SmartFade ML defaults to a “1 to 1” patch mode in DMX universe 1 for dimmers.
INT A = DMX1-24
INT B = DMX 25-48
This is the simplest version of a patch and is the most common, as it is easy to remember
and provides immediate control with all of your available channels. It is also possible to
create a custom patch by assigning any DMX output(s) to any control channel. Setting the
patch is simple and is performed on the LCD menu.
Patch Live or Blind
Patching in Live will set the selected DMX output to full , and set all other dimmers to zero
so you can see what’s connected to that dimmer. Patching in Blind will not affect current
DMX values until changes in the patch override any active channels.
Note:
A dimmer can only be patched to one control channel at a time. If you patch a dimmer
and then later patch the same dimmer to a different channel, the dimmer will be
automatically unpatched from its original channel and assigned to the new channel.
Patch by Dimmer
Patching by dimmer is probably the easiest way to patch a rig that is unknown to you. In
Live mode you can turn on each output one by one, select an intensity channel and patch it.
Step 1: Open the Patch:
Menu>Patch>[Patch by dimmer]
Step 2: Choose between Live and Blind mode using encoder wheel 3.
Press (MENU) to confirm.
Step 3: All patching is done in the left LCD.
Menu choice Console Feedback
DMX Wheel 1 Select a DMX output. If you are patching Live
it will be set to full instantly.
CH. Wheel 2 Select a channel to patch or unpatch to the
selected DMX output.
<[U1] Toggles the DMX universe between 1 and 2.
[UNPATCH] Press to patch or unpatch the currently
selected channel to the currently selected
DMX output and universe.
20 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
Patch by Channel
MORE
SEL
Patching by channel is just as simple as patching by dimmer. The only difference is that the
starting point is the intensity channel. By doing it Live you can check what is patched to
each intensity channel, and then patch or unpatch more dimmer outputs to this channel.
Step 1: Open the Patch:
Menu>Patch>[Patch by channel]
Step 2: Choose between Live and Blind mode using encoder wheel 3.
Press (MENU) to confirm.
Step 3: Patching is done in the left LCD. The right LCD shows all dimmer outputs
patched to the currently selected channel - use encoder wheel 3 to scroll if there
are more than three dimmer outputs patched to the same intensity channel.
Menu choice Console Feedback
CH. Wheel 1 Select a channel to patch or unpatch. The
corresponding DMX output will be selected
immediately when the wheel is moved. D1D24 can be selected as well. See Note.
Note:
DMX Wheel 2 Select a DMX output to patch to the selected
channel. If it is already patched there is an “*”
before the number as in the image above.
[U1]> Toggles the DMX universe between 1 and 2.
[UNPATCH] Press to patch or unpatch the currently
selected channel to the currently selected
DMX output and universe.
You can patch any of the D1-24 intensity channels to conventional dimmers. This is
useful if you need more than 48 intensity channels, or if you are using scrollers or other
accessories on conventional lights.
2 Setup 21
Patch Independents
Independent buttons IND 1 and IND 2 provide two outputs separated from all other controls.
They are intended to operate devices such as smoke machines, tab tracks, cue lights, etc.
• SOLO does not affect these outputs.
• The state or result of the 2 independent outputs is not recordable.
The Default Patch
SmartFade ML defaults to the last outputs in DMX universe 1 for the independents.
IND 1 = DMX 511
IND 2 = DMX 512
This is easy to remember and provides immediate control with two outputs. It is also
possible to create a custom patch by assigning any DMX outputs to the independents. This
is done in the Patch. They are indicated in the patch as channels i1 and i2. See “Patch by
Dimmer” on page 20. See “Patch by Channel” on page 21.
Set up Independents
The basic behaviour of the buttons and faders are set up in the Independents menu.
Menu>[Independents]
Button behavior
Menu choice Console Feedback
[Button mode] Wheels 1 & 2
[Master mode] Wheels 1 & 2
Sets if BLACKOUT and MASTER
fader will affect or not.
[Set Level] Wheels 1 & 2
22 SmartFade ML v3.0.1 User Manual
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